Arable Field Margins
Arable field margins are strips or blocks around arable fields that are managed specifically for the benefit of key farmland wildlife.
Photo: Laurie Jackson
Why are they important?
- They support rare and important arable plant species.
- Wild flowers in arable margins provide pollen and nectar for invertebrates such as bumblebees and sawflies
- They provide breeding and feeding habitat for farmland birds.
- Field margins provide corridors through farmland along which animals can move; this will be important as the effects of climate change begin to be felt.
Arable Field Margins in Sussex
Important arable plant species are now restricted to a few locations, usually in the less well-cultivated margins of fields on the South Downs. Farmland birds are widely distributed across the farmed landscape however populations are lower now than 20 years ago.
What are the threats?
- Intensification of arable production, including the use of herbicides and insecticides.
- A shift from spring to winter cropping resulting in a loss of winter stubbles and a reduction in undersown area.
- Reduced rotation of crops with grass leys and fallow land.
- Ploughing closer to the edges and management of edges to keep them tidy.
- Removal of boundaries features to enlarge fields.
Some associated species
- Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra
- European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur
- Shrill Carder Bee Bombus sylvarum
- Large Garden Bumblebee Bombus ruderatus
- Red Hemp Nettle Galeopsis angustifolia
- Narrow-fruited Cornsalad Valerianella dentata
Photo: Laurie Jackson
Where to visit
Many public rights of way pass alongside arable land. When using these make sure you follow the paths to avoid damaging crops or plants in the margins.
Sussex Targets
Biodiversity Action Reporting System Website
Links to more information
Buglife
Natural England
Sustainable Arable Farming for an Improved Environment
